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The mother and partner of two men accused of attacking Kawhia's
sole police officer last week has apologised for the harm her
family has caused.

The apology was made to the hundreds of the Waikato town's
residents who gathered at a community meeting to discuss the
assault on Constable Perry Grifffen this evening.

"I'm not here to defend, justify, excuse or condone any of the
behaviours or actions or events that took place on Friday here in
our beautiful town," she said.

"But rather to give a face and a voice to two men, a father and
a son, who have been portrayed as gutless, cowardly, lowlife
mongrels."

The gathering was called after an emergency meeting of the
town's community board earlier this week in response to the alleged
"deplorable and cowardly attack".

Earlier today, a relative of a man accused of viciously beating
Griffen said the constable used unnecessary force when trying to
arrest 19-year-old Jackie Maikuku, who had an outstanding
warrant.

The man - who witnessed Friday evening's alleged attack - also
claims to have video footage of the incident which contradicts the
police version of events.

Inspector Paul Carpenter said both he and the injured officer
viewed the images and commentary around them with some concern.

"It is well known that when a matter is before the courts police
are limited in what they can say in the public domain.

"What I can say, however, is that having spoken to the officer
again today we believe the images, which we must point out are a
very selective slice of a prolonged stand-off and attack are
consistent with statements from both the officer and witnesses," he
said.

Carpenter also stated that the first image showed a large man
advancing on the officer with arms widespread with a taser
presented, a commonly deployed tactical option with the image
appearing to be taken prior to O/C spray being used.

"We have previously stated we understand the officer's police
issue Glock pistol was dislodged and returned to the officer when
he had retreated to the safety of the local fire crew," he
said.

"We believe this image is of the instance when the pistol was
handed back to our injured officer while they were retreating from
the threat."

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Carpenter said it was when people choose to litigate issues
before the courts in the public domain as has occurred
today.

"At this point I would like to reiterate our request that anyone
with still or video footage contact police so our investigation
team can examine it," he said.

Allegations against beaten cop emerge

The witness of the attack also expanded on their own version of
events.

The witness said that the 19-year-old accused had been drinking
with friends on Kawhia wharf when he was spotted by an off-duty
Constable Griffen.

Maikuku was wanted on charges of driving while disqualified,
breaching supervision, reckless driving, failing to stop, failure
to answer court bail, and breach of community work.

Griffen is understood to have been fishing, and went home to
change into his uniform before returning to arrest Maikuku.

He said Griffen informed police communications and the Kawhia
Volunteer Fire Brigade, and contacted Maikuku's father to go to the
scene to help with the arrest.

The witness said volunteer firefighters were told to keep 50
metres back as Griffe attempted to arrest Maikuku.

But one image also appears to show a fire service officer
standing close behind the constable in the moments before the
attack, and as Griffen appears to reach for his pistol.

The relative also claimed Griffen, having already told Maikuku
he was under arrest, emptied two canisters of pepper spray into his
face, unprovoked.

He said the constable's actions left the almost 50 witnesses
confused as to why Maikuku had been sprayed for what appeared to be
no reason.

The relative said once Maikuku regained his sight he got up and
chased Griffe, before allegedly tackling and assaulting him.

It was at that point Maikuku was tasered and Griffen was then
attacked from behind.

The officer is reported to have asked nearby fishermen for help
to arrest Maikuku, but they did not, indicating that they did not
think Maikuku was a threat.

At one stage during the incident Griffen also allegedly drew his
pistol and pointed it at Maikuku.

Carpenter yesterday said he understood Griffen was off-duty
during the afternoon before the assault, but could not confirm
whether he had been fishing.

He also could not say whether the fire service was called as
back-up before or after Griffen attempted to arrest Maikuku.

"They arrived while the events were taking place, but that's all
I've got at this stage."